Irina shouted, "I'M SORRY, WHO?!"
KLEIN MORETTI?! NOW?! What the hell is she talking about? He's supposed to show up next year or in two years! NOT NOW!
Royale, full of curiosity, asked, "Do you... Know him?"
Do I KNOW HIM?! Of course I DO! Wait—
Realizing her mistake, Irina scrambled to come up with an excuse. "Uhm... SORRY! I was just surprised, you see... During my mission last month, I heard his name in passing, and it kind of stuck with me! Hehe~ Klein has... Klein is... Uhm... It's also the same name as a character in a novel I recently read! I'm a bit shy about it because it's, well, an 18+ novel. It's a harem story. I mean... The name is literally 'Men of the Harem,' so yeah, self-explanatory! The guy in the book is kinda... you know the type of novel! No need for details unless you're curious about the special scenes~"
Suddenly, Leonard made his presence known by chiming in, "What if I was curious about those scenes?"
Irina literally jumped on the sofa at his sudden appearance. "W-when did you get here?! You— Tha— If you are looking for something like that, I have better recommendations for your taste! I can definitely find something that would suit your taste better!"
When did he learn to appear out of thin air?!
Leonard snickered. "Quite the reaction to 'Klein Moretti'~ I'm curious about this person who shares a name with that character of yours. And your face—turning so red—is a rare sight."
This bastard—NO. Calm down. Pallez is still around, and I can't risk exposing anything. Especially a novel that doesn't even exist in this world.
Irina took a deep breath, calming herself before explaining, "It just caught me off guard, that's all. It's also one of the most... 'Detailed' novels I've read in a while. Trust me, I've read much worse. Anyway, why are you so interested in Klein? Anything to share, dear poet?"
Leonard chuckled lightly. "As I said, it was your reaction that piqued my curiosity, not him. Still, I'll take your advice. Recommend me something 'detailed,' as you say. Let's see if these stories are as descriptive as you claim."
Oh? Doubting my expertise on spicy novels?
Irina smirked. "Wanna bet, pretty boy? I'll bring you something in a couple of days. But there's a catch—you have to read it with me in the same room. Here in the lounge, maybe on a slow day. I want to see your face turn into a tomato."
Leonard's interest was clearly piqued. "Deal. I doubt it'll be as vulgar as you're suggesting anyway~"
Oh, he doubts me? I'll find the spiciest novel in this world. And if I can't, I'll rewrite something from my past life. No way I'm letting him off the hook after doubting me.
Her smirk deepened. "Just so you know, I never bet on something unless I'm 110% sure I'll win. Let this be a lesson for you, dear poet."
Their playful bickering continued a little longer before finally fading out. Irina monopolized one of the couches, lounging with her legs hanging over the armrest.
Leonard seized the chance to tease her again. "See? So unelegant for a lady."
She looked him up and down, then grabbed a book from the pile on the coffee table and hid her face behind it. "Says the guy wearing tight black pants and an unbuttoned white shirt. Where's your elegance? You look like a poet—sure. But a pretty, broke one at that. Not even a speck of jewelry on your person."
Leonard's amusement was evident in his voice. "Broke? Me? Poet or not, you definitely don't look like a history teacher."
Irina laughed beneath the cover of her book. "And that's where you're wrong! I'm imitating a teacher who's absolutely done with their job."
Wait... Did I just hint at the acting method? Ugh, whatever! It doesn't matter if he realizes that I know now. All my plans went out the window the moment he appeared!
She sighed with exhaustion, muttering to herself. "I'm a whole year behind..."
The poet, confused, asked, "A year behind on what?"
Irina realized too late that she'd voiced her thoughts aloud. Damn it. She tried to recover quickly. "Something vital for my survival... I wanted to start writing books, you know? Publish them as historical research to fit better into my role. But now... Someone else has taken that spot. All the attention is on him."
Leonard nodded, still curious, but let it slide. The conversation shifted, and soon they were chatting casually with Royale occasionally chiming in. However, at some point, Irina became completely silent, so much so that the other Nighthawks mistakenly believed she had fallen asleep.
What am I supposed to do now? She thought, resting on the couch. My Sequence is too low, and I still don't have a solid plan to save Dunn and Kenley. No offensive abilities, and I don't even know how to join the Tarot Club yet. Should I approach Klein directly? Tell him I know he's The Fool? What if he starts asking questions? Her mind raced with the impossible scenario. 'Oh, you know, where I come from, you're just a character in a novel.' No way I can say that.
The room was silent, broken only by the occasional flipping of pages—Royale with her newspaper, Leonard with a magazine.
I need to reread the novel... I've forgotten too much, especially the beginning. When did Klein even drink his Seer potion? The Antigonus Notebook is dangerous, I know that. But how do I stop the captain from touching it? How much time do I even have left?!
The sound of footsteps passed by the door, but no one entered. Until the end of the year? No, that can't be right. She struggled to place the timeline. By New Year, Klein becomes Gehrman Sparrow. Before that, in December, that's when the Great Smog happens. So, what... 3? 4 months at best? Her pulse quickened. That's not enough time to raise my Sequence from 8 to 6. I'm close to hitting 7—I can feel the seal weakening—but what then? What if won't have any combat abilities?! Just like the Spectator pathway...
Hours passed in quiet contemplation, her thoughts spiraling. Lunch came and went. Finally, Irina shook herself out of it, deciding to stop sulking. She turned to Leonard and asked, "How did your last mission go?" Royale perked up as well, showing interest in the conversation.
Later, they heard Rozanne passing by, chatting with someone. The voice belonged to a young man. Irina's ears perked up, and she quickly stood, reaching for the door handle. She waited until the voices faded, then cracked the door open. Brushing her fingers against the wall, she quietly made her way down the hallway, reaching the stairs that led underground.
Just down ahead, accompanied by Rozanne, she spotted a young man with dark hair, wearing a well-worn suit that gave him the aura of a scholar.
There he is. Irina mumbled softly to herself, "Klein Moretti in the flesh."
Her thoughts began to spiral again, losing track of time until a sudden touch on her shoulder snapped her back to reality. She turned to see Leonard standing behind her, his expression amused. "You look troubled. Or... Perhaps interested? Don't tell me you have a crush on the new guy~"
His playful tone pulled a light chuckle from her. "Are you sure you're not projecting? You gave me quite the detailed description earlier. I'd almost say it was love at first sight~"
The poet laughed. "What can I say to convince you otherwise? I just feel like—" He paused, hesitating. "No, never mind. It's not important."
Irina raised an eyebrow, easily interrupting him. "You just 'feel like' what? Come on, out with it! You do have something to tell me."
The two Nighthawks bantered at the top of the stairs for a while, their teasing lasting long enough for Rozanne to return. Irina caught sight of someone else approaching the stairs.
I remember this... Leo and Klein crossed paths down there. They talked for a while.
Turning back to Leonard, she locked eyes with him and whispered softly, "You know what? How about you go down there and talk with him? Your shift at Chanis Gate is about to start anyway, and I've kept you here long enough. See ya later~"
She gave a casual wave, turning to go back to the lounge. Leonard, sensing no point in arguing, shrugged and made his way down the stairs.
But Irina wasn't done. As soon as his footsteps faded, she retraced her steps, silently padding back to the staircase. I'm not missing this one.
She pressed herself against the wall, trying to blend into the shadows. From this angle, anyone walking by would assume she was trying to fuse with the wall, but in reality, she was just eavesdropping.
"Good afternoon," Leonard greeted.
"Good afternoon," Klein replied, his tone light. "I assume I don't need to introduce myself?"
"There's no need," Leonard answered after a short pause. "I have a deep impression of you." Then, with what Irina was sure was a slightly teasing smile, he added, "Leonard Mitchell. Sequence 8, Midnight Poet."
So, he does know how to introduce himself properly, she thought with a smirk. The first time I met him, he straight-up interrogated me. Unfair treatment.
"You have a deep impression of me?" Klein asked back, his voice calm.
Who doesn't, Klein? Let's be honest here.
"You have a... Special disposition," Leonard replied smoothly.
Special disposition?! The hell does that mean?! Irina's mind reeled at the words. Hayo?! I didn't remember this particular word choice! He really does sound so gay...
"I don't think so," Klein responded, dismissing the idea.
Whatever you say, Klein, future Lord of the Mysteries. I'm not here to judge.
"After encountering an accident like that, you remained alive without our immediate protection. That's special enough." Leonard paused, probably gesturing ahead. "I've got to replace the Captain now. See you tomorrow."
That's it? Nothing more?
"See you tomorrow," Klein echoed before parting.
Damn! I've gotta move!
Irina hurriedly slipped back into the lounge just in time. As Klein ascended the stairs, she sat back down, pretending not to have moved at all. He passed through the corridor, exchanged words with Rozanne at the reception, then left.
I'm too nervous today... I need to leave a good impression when I 'meet' him for the first time. She thought for a moment. Maybe I'll ask Rozanne when he'll be back...
Suddenly, Royale's voice cut through her thoughts, making her jump. "Are you done spying on the new guy?"
Irina practically leaped from the couch. "For fuck's sake!" She clutched her chest, trying to calm down. "Now I get what you meant when you said you're quiet."
Royale's lips curled into an amused smile. "I told you I was perfect for the mission. So... Did you find anything interesting?"
Calming herself, Irina sank back into the couch. "Not really, but hear this! Leonard said, and I quote, 'I have a deep impression of you.' Then he went on to say Klein has a 'special disposition.'"
The two gossiped for a while, sharing a few laughs before settling into a quieter rhythm. Eventually, the door to the lounge clicked shut as Royale left to go home.
Irina checked the time. Late shift again. She had started late in the morning and wouldn't finish until late in the afternoon. Royale's been here since yesterday, pulling a full standby through the night. She sighed.
Back to work... Okay, priorities. Irina mentally ticked off her tasks. First: raise my Sequence by getting rid of this damn seal. Second: reread the whole first volume. Third: figure out how to save Kenley, Dunn and Old Neil. Fourth: execute all that. Should be easy... I've got what, 3 months?
She let out another exhausted sigh, slumping on the couch. "It's impossible. Too much work."
Time to act like a 'history teacher' then, she thought with a grim determination. But hours passed, and instead of making plans, she ended up sulking around, lost in her thoughts.
The sound of footsteps coming up the stairs broke her trance. Old Neil? She straightened up. It can't be Leonard; he's not allowed to leave Chanis Gate. Dunn's in his office, Rozanne is at the reception, and Mrs. Orianne is busy elsewhere... So, it has to be him. Perfect timing—I need to ask him something.
Without hesitation, Irina stood up and opened the door, not even bothering to check first. She started speaking immediately. "Hey, Old Neil, I wanted to ask if you could—" She froze mid-sentence, her eyes widening in horror as she finally looked at the person in front of her.
Shit.
Standing just a meter away was the young man she'd been spying on earlier. His dark hair framed his scholarly face, and he wore a well-worn suit. With a polite smile, he removed his hat and gave her a slight bow.
"Good afternoon," he greeted, voice calm and composed. "I'm Klein Moretti."